Calculate the surface area of a box, sphere, cylinder or cone from its dimensions.
What this calculator does
Pick a shape, enter its dimensions, and this calculator returns the total surface area — useful for painting, wrapping, material estimates and geometry.
For the space inside a shape, see the volume calculator.
Using the calculator
- Choose the shape.
- Enter the required dimensions.
- Read the surface area.
The formula
box = 2(lw + lh + wh) · sphere = 4πr²
cylinder = 2πr(r+h) · cone = πr(r + √(h²+r²))
The default scenario, worked through
Worked through, a shape of Box / cuboid, radius of 3, height of 5 produces a surface area of 52. Change any field and every figure updates as you type.
Common questions
How do I find surface area?
Add the areas of every face or curved surface. Each shape has its own formula, which this tool applies for you.
What’s the difference from volume?
Surface area is the outside covering (square units); volume is the space inside (cubic units).
Where is surface area used?
Estimating paint, wrapping material, heat transfer and packaging.